Alderney New Gothic Crown 

The 2021 Alderney Gothic Crown is a modern tribute to the famous 1847 Gothic Crown, originally issued during Queen Victoria’s reign. Struck in limited numbers for the island of Alderney, the coin features a stunning reinterpretation of William Wyon’s Gothic portrait style—this time depicting Queen Elizabeth II in full Gothic form. This makes it historically significant, as it is the only coin ever issued to show Elizabeth II in a Gothic portrait, echoing the medieval-inspired artistry of the original but applied uniquely to her long reign.

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The reverse recreates the famous Gothic Crown of 1847, designed by William Wyon for Queen Victoria. Instead of a single coat of arms, it presents a quartered shield arrangement, with the arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland displayed in ornate heraldic fashion. The shields are arranged in a cross-like pattern with a decorative rosette at the center, all surrounded by rich medieval-style ornamentation.

This design has a double significance:

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• Heraldic Tradition – The shields represent the historic kingdoms that make up the United Kingdom. Their cross-like arrangement evokes unity while also echoing medieval coinage and heraldic art.

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• Gothic Revival Style – In the mid-19th century, Britain was swept by the Gothic Revival, which celebrated medieval art, architecture, and symbolism. Wyon’s original 1847 design was both a masterpiece of coin engraving and a cultural statement, tying Victoria’s reign to Britain’s deep-rooted medieval heritage.

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• ​By reviving this reverse on the 2021 Alderney issue, the coin pays tribute not just to the artistry of the past, but also frames Elizabeth II’s reign within the same lineage of continuity, unity, and tradition. Together with the unique Gothic portrait of Elizabeth on the obverse, it makes the piece a singular bridge between two of Britain’s longest-reigning monarchs.